Manipur Mail – Page 44

Mizoram reeling under Mahasen fear

AIZAWL, May 16 NNN : Schools throughout Mizoram were closed today as the state prepares to take the super-cyclone Mahasen. Traffic in the state capital Aizawl were thin and the percentage of office attendance in government departments were low.
As a pre-emptive move, the government of Mizoram had ordered to close schools in the state for two days starting from Thursday as the super cyclone Mahasen strking the state becomes imminent.
As weathermen have predicted that super cyclone ‘Mahasen’ is due to hit Mizoram on May 16 (Thursday night), Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawl issued yesterday an official order to shut all the schools in the State, excluding colleges, from Thursday afternoon till Friday.
The Chief Minister also made a request to the people in the State not to organize any function or any kind of public gathering from Thursday afternoon till Friday.
As per the latest information provided to the Chief Minister by Cyclone Warning Division, Indian Meteorological Department, New Delhi, the predicted timing of the ‘Mahasen’ cyclone remains unchanged. The super cyclone is believed to reach Mizoram at around 9:30 – 10 pm on Thursday.
The predicted cyclone is believed to reach Lunglei and other Southern parts at a 45-55 km/ph intensity/speed, and expected even to reach 65 km/ph.
Moreover, the super cyclone will be followed by heavy rain which will take 24 hours. It is also predicted that the cyclone may come along from Lunglei towards Aizawl and further up to Champhai.
Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, therefore, once again advised the people not to panic but stay ready at their own places and to turn themselves to God. He also informed all the government departments to stay alert.
The government release yesterday stated that the state government of Mizoram has around 400 trained persons of the Disaster Response Force who have been given training since 2009 – 10, who can be called out on any time at the given emergency helpline numbers.
In a preventive measure too, the School Education Commissioner of Mizoram, has also notified for closing of all schools in the State from Thursday afternoon till Friday. All the headmasters and teachers are accordingly informed to consider the safety of school materials.
The deputy commissioner of Aizawl has also announced opening up of Aizawl District Emergency Operation Centre for 24×7 service, to which reports can be given by the people.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizoram-reeling-under-mahasen-fear/

Intensive Training Programme Launched For ASHA Workers

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 16 : An intensive training programme has been launched by the Government for ASHA workers to provide qualitative healthcare to the rural population. The induction training of ASHA is for 23 days in five episodes. After a period of 6 months of her functioning in the village, she is sensitized on HIV/AIDS issues including STI, RTI, prevention and referrals. She is also trained on new born care. The Central Government bears the cost of training, incentives and medical kits. The remaining component is funded under Financial Envelope given to the States under the programme.
ASHA is given a drug kit containing generic AYUSH and allopathic formulations for common ailments. The drug kit is replenished from time to time.
One of the key components of National Rural Health Mission is to provide every village with a trained female community health activist called ASHA or Accredited Social Health Activist. Selected from the village itself and accountable to it, ASHA works as an interface between the community and the public health system.
There are more than 8.85 lac ASHA workers at present. Over 7.99 lac ASHAs have been provided with drug kits so far.
ASHA acts as a bridge between the ANM and the village. She is accountable to the Panchayat. She is an honorary volunteer, receiving performance-based compensation for promoting universal immunization, referral and escort services for RCH, construction of household toilets, and other healthcare delivery programmes. She facilitates preparation and implementation of the Village Health Plan along with Anganwadi worker, ANM, functionaries of other Departments and Self Help Group members.
The National Rural Health Mission was launched by the Prime Minister on 12th April 2005 to provide accessible, affordable and quality healthcare to the rural population. Under the NRHM, the difficult areas with unsatisfactory health indicators were classified as special focus States to ensure greatest attention where needed.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/intensive-training-programme-launched-for-asha-workers/

The focus of attention

The underperforming Ministers were at the receiving end at the cabinet meeting, a report said. Who are these underperforming ministers, who cannot perform the duties allotted to them? The performance of the ministers needs to be reviewed every now and then. Many of them, a report has it were also very corrupt. Percentage cut demanded by them for the work order issued or bill passed shoots as high as 20 percent. Family members of the Ministers are active in doing the percentage cut. At the centre Pawankumar Bansal former Railways Minister resigned when his nephew took money for appointment of member of Railways Board. If the same yard stick is applied here too ministers may roll the heads. But Manipur is different. There has to be a different yardstick for measuring the performance of the ministers. The most corrupt ministers always get elected. Those who pretend to be clean suffer rejection by ministers. What the voters want is performance. Almost all these roads passing through different areas of the state capital need to be widened. Vehicles cannot ply on these tiny and narrow roads. Plans are afoot for widening of the roads connecting main roads but these roads cannot be touched. At Uripok for instance Khwairakselung Leirak connecting Uripok road and RIMS road, which is used by large number of vehicles has seen frequent occurrence of traffic jam. The state Government decision to widen Nagamapal road is welcome. When the road is widened frequently occurring traffic congestion at the national highway near Kangla will be eased out. Minuthong Hapta road is also too narrow. Driving on this road is a night mare. Road electrification can come later. The focus should be on maintaining roads and nullahs. Then there is a portion of road at Uripok, which sees occurrence of artificial flood as when there is a few minutes’ drizzle. The portion of the road near Sorobon Thingel needs to be raised by one or two feet. Though it will appear like a hump on the body it will not only save road but also solve the problems facing the users of the road. Then there is drinking water scarcity problem. All the household families in Imphal are connected by pipeline and they use water pump to drain out water from pipe. But only of a few of them pay taxes. Almost all of them are illegal consumers. But nothing is done to disconnect the pipeline or legalise the connection. A survey must be carried out to understand how these illegal consumers without paying tax resort to thieving water meant for legalised consumers. Then there are other sectors which do not get the required attention from the concerned departments. But these non performing ministers having received flak from colleagues at the cabinet will start doing something good for the society.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/the-focus-of-attention/

PM files nomination papers

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today filed his nomination papers at Assam Assembly seeking a fifth consecutive term in the Rajya Sabha from Assam . He reiterated his pledge to work for accelerated development of his ‘adopted home state’ Assam and eliminate all problems within thnext 10 years. Her expressed his gratitude to the people […]

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh filing his nomination papers at Assam Assembly6

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today filed his nomination papers at Assam Assembly seeking a fifth consecutive term in the Rajya Sabha from Assam .
He reiterated his pledge to work for accelerated development of his ‘adopted home state’ Assam and eliminate all problems within thnext 10 years.
Her expressed his gratitude to the people for the state for electing him to the Rajya Sabha for nearly 25 years now.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pm-files-nomination-papers/

Police produced before court

The commando OC, Moreh Police, RK Binodjit who was arrested in connection with the drug trafficking worth Rs. Four crores was produced before the court of NDPS, Lamphelpat.
Moreh Police Commando Officer-in-Charge RK Binodjit was today sent to 15 days judicial custody by the NDPS court after he was grilled by Thoubal Police in its custody over the recent seizure of narcotic drugs worth Rs 3 crore at Moreh in Chandel district of Manipur.
Thoubal Police commandos seized the drugs along with 11 commandos including a Sub-Inspector and a Commander while the team was trying to smuggle them through the Moreh border.
Binodjit pleaded not guilty in the court telling it he was not involved in the transportation of the illegal drugs. However, the Judge said that there was evidence that Binodjit had mobile phone talk with the other two co-accused—SI Devan and Commander Premananda.
The Judge then ordered to send him to 15 days judicial custody, saying that he must be quizzed further in connection with the drug bust case.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/police-produced-before-court/

Weekly launched

The Shenmitlon, a weekly news paper was released today at Manipur Press Club, Major Khul. Dr. T. Meinya MP released the paper as chief guest. Prof. N. Mohendra, Y. Indira Devi secretary Manipur legislative assembly were also present at the occasion.
Ch…

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/weekly-launched/

Entrench civilizational values in young minds, says Mukherjee

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressing after inaugurating the Grassroots Innovation Exhibition, during the Third Convocation of Nagaland University, at Lumami, Nagaland on May 15, 2013.
The Governor of Nagaland, Dr. Ashwani Kumar and the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Neiphiu Rio are also seen.

Lumami, May 15 (ANI): President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday called upon universities and academic institutions to take the lead in meeting the moral challenge of our times and ensuring that our civilizational values of love for motherland; performance of duty; compassion for all; tolerance for pluralism; respect for women and elderly; truth and honesty in life; discipline and self-restraint in conduct, and responsibility in action are fully entrenched in the young minds.
President Mukherjee, who attended the third convocation of Nagaland University at Lumami, speaking on the occasion said ‘education is a powerful tool for social thinking and transformation’.
“The recent increase in cases of brutal assault on women and children has shaken the collective conscience of our nation. These unfortunate incidents underscore the urgency for us to introspect at the erosion of values and to devise effective measures for the safety and security of our women and children. We must identify the causes of moral decline in our society,” he added.
President Mukherjee said the Indian Constitution has laid down that we have to build our society based on the freedom of human spirit, economic opportunities for all and social justice.
“Our economic growth will rely increasingly on the knowledge economy. Thus, a sound higher education system in our country is an imperative,” he added.
President Mukherjee said the higher education system in India rests on the three pillars of quality, affordability and accessibility. “At the end of the Eleventh Five Year Plan period, there were a total of 659 degree awarding institutions and over 33,000 colleges. During the Eleventh Five Year Plan period, 65 new Central Institutions, including 21 Central Universities, were established. Except for one state, there is at least one Central University in every state of the country,” said President Mukherjee.
“Despite this, the problems of quantity and quality persist. We are deficient in the number of quality academic institutions, on account of which, many bright students go abroad for higher studies. There are more than 2 lakh Indian students studying abroad, including US and UK. We should be able to draw our students to seek higher education in their own country,” he added.
President Mukherjee said despite India’s higher education system being the second largest in the world, the enrolment rate for the 18-24 years age group in India is only 7 percent.
“Compared to this, it is 21 percent in Germany and 34 percent in the US. This effectively denies many good students the opportunity to acquire higher education. We have to increase accessibility in higher education as a means to achieve greater inclusion,” he added.
President Mukherjee further said ‘innovative teaching methodologies should be adopted by our universities by increasing the use of technology’.
“The infrastructure of the National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology has great potential to facilitate collaborative information sharing. Transmission of important lectures to students
studying in institutions situated far off from the urban centres is possible now,” he added.
Asserting that the success of inclusion in higher education also depends on affordability, President Mukherjee said:
“Meritorious students from difficult socio-economic background should be assisted to pursue higher education by measures like scholarships, student loans and self-help schemes.”
“Shortage of faculty has hampered our efforts at improving the standards of education. In Central Universities, vacancy is about 38 per cent. Immediate steps should be taken to fill up the vacancies. To tide over this crisis, we must also resort to technology solutions such as e-classrooms,” President Mukherjee said.
“Our teachers must possess the latest information and knowledge so that they can give their students the best education. The refresher programmes organized by the Academic Staff Colleges should be reviewed more frequently to retain their relevance to contemporary teaching,” he added.

Six rescued : Mizoram landslide

AIZAWL, May 15 NNN: After continuous day-night rescue operation carried out by state disaster response team and volunteers, all the 17 dead bodies of the tragic massive landslide victims at Laipuitlang have been recovered yesterday night by around 11 pm. Altogether 6 persons were also rescued alive.
Meanwhile, short programme indicating closing of the rescue operation was conducted at Young Mizo Association (YMA) Information Centre, Laipuitlang after the last body was recovered.
After that a solemn send-off programme was held at Laipuitlang Baptist Kohhran Hall. The two dead bodies last recovered were identified as Lalremchhungi and Vanlalrema Hnamte, both belonged to Thingfal village.
State disaster response team members had carried out searching operation the whole day yesterday.
It can be noted here that a massive landslide at occurred on the Saturday last in Aizawl.
Besides human casualties, 11 houses were totally damaged and as many as 7 four-wheelers and 9 two-wheelers were also damaged in that calamity.
Mizo National Front (MNF), the principal Opposition party in Mizoram had demanded for the ‘independent judicial inquiry’ over building collapse that had killed 17 persons on Saturday.
The landslide that took place in the early hours of Saturday, had swept away nine houses including a PWD office building at Laipuitlang in north Aizawl killing 17 people.
A PWD office building, which had been vacated about a year ago after a crack developed on it, collapsed under the impact of the landslide and fell on nine houses below killing the people.
Mizo National Front (MNF) had demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, who holds the Public Works Department (PWD) portfolio and his younger brother Lal Thanzara, Parliamentary Secretary for PWD, owning responsibility for the incident.
Meanwhile, regarding the tragedy caused by major landslide at Aizawl’s Laipuitlang on Saturday which had claimed 17 people convened by chief minister Lal Thanhawla had on last Monday discussed over setting up of a Magisterial Inquiry and on the ex gratia payment Rs.1.5 lakh each to the deceased’s families and of Rs. 35,000 grant each to the owners of the collapsed concrete buildings.
A large number of houses were destroyed by storms in Serchip district on Saturday .
Five persons were injured and around 40 houses were damaged in Serchhip district.
in Mizoram due to pre monsoon rain and storm.
Out of the five injured, three persons were discharged after having had administered first aid while two persons are undergoing treatment at the Serchhip district hospital. Among the 40 houses that were damaged, nine of them were swept to the ground which included two residential quarters of the state health department.
Further, it is learnt that six electric poles fell to the ground resulting a power cut in Sechhip town for the whole night that day. Three houses were destroyed in Tachhip village by the squall while many villages across the state were powerless due to transmission lines being snapped by strong wind and massive landslides, sources said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/six-rescued-mizoram-landslide/

Three held with three powerful bombs

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 15 : Three PREPAK cadres were nabbed with three bomb today. HQ IGAR S said in a press statement that acting on a hard intelligence received from sources regarding transportation of explosives and IEDs, a party from Sagolmang COB ex 16 Assam Rifles was launched today. The party established itself near a Nala near Pukhao Shantipur and noticed suspicious movement of three individuals carrying a bag. On challenging the individuals, they tried to flee the site but were caught.
Three semi prepared IEDs each weighing 8-10 kgs were recovered from the bag which were housed in a thick cylindrical metal casing to inflict maximum causalities. The IEDs were destroyed by a bomb disposal squad at around 4pm.
The three apprehendees have been identified as Chingsubam@Bobo Meitei , Wairokpam Ajit Meitiei both of Pukhao Shantipur and Sagolsam Sanjooba Meitei of Pukhao Ukhaohllum. All three individuals have confessed working for PREPAK under Sairem Punshiba @ Punshi (63) resident of Khurei Sarjor Leikei who has reportedly fled to Pune after handing over the explosives. The IEDs were planned to be finally assembled and used somewhere near . Punshi was allegedly the mastermind of IED attack on Zonal Education Office, Imphal in December 2012.
It was revealed by the apprehendees that the IED was placed to specifically target the VIPs visiting the AOR of 10 Sector AR during second week of May 13.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/three-held-with-three-powerful-bombs/

Laptop to be Provided to All Students with Disabilities

Mail News Service
New Delhi, May 15: The Board of Trustees of the Trust Fund for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities increased the fresh scholarships from 1000 to 1500 per year under the Scholarship Scheme (Trust Fund) here today. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India chaired the meeting of the Board.
Laptop will be provided to all the Students with Disabilities now. The Board of Trustees decided that Laptop shall be provided to Orthopedically Handicapped (OH) students as an aids and appliances once in life time upto estimated cost of Rs.40,000/-(Rupees Forty Thousand only). Till now, this facility was available to Hearing Handicapped and Visually Handicapped students only.
It was also decided in the meeting that the advance funds for the year will be made available to NHFDC in the beginning of financial year for award of scholarships to students with disabilities without any delay.
The Scholarship Scheme for the Students with the Disabilities is being implemented by NHFDC, Department of Disability Affairs, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India.

Colleges to be locked up

Mail News Service NNN
Imphal, May 15 : As government failed to meet the demands of co-ordination committee of colleges students union, the students as a first step locked the office of education (U) this afternoon around one p.m.
O. Premjit, convenor said, the committee has been pressurizing the govt. to meet their demands since 2009.Irked by the state Government’s failure to fulfill its long pending demands, Coordination Committee of College Students’ Union (CCCSUM) locked up the office of Directorate of Education (U) on Wednesday with the passing of the deadline given to the Government.
Leaders of the committee told mediapersons that the office of the Directorate of Education (U) at Nityapak Chuthek here has been closed by volunteers of the committee as a first step to protest against the Government which is unwilling to meet its demands.
The volunteers gheraoed it around 1 pm forcing all the employees to leave the office and then they locked it up.
The CCCSUM had threatened the state Government on May 8 that it would boycott the upcoming college semester examination which is conducted by Manipur University if the concerned state authority fails to immediately fulfill the charter of demands raised by the committee.
Its charter of demands include among others the Government of Manipur must provide uninterrupted water and electricity supply to all colleges.
The present academic buildings must be renovated and libraries must be equipped with at least 100 books.
Also, internet facilities must be provided to every teaching department so that faculty members and students of the department may access to downloading of e-books, e-journals and reading materials relevant to the subject.
Government must fill up the vacant post of Director of Higher Education on regular basis and must appoint Principals on regular basis to improve the administrative as well as academic health of the colleges.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/colleges-to-be-locked-up/

Cyclone Mahasen arriving today

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 15 : The cyclonic storm Mahasen over west central Bay of Bengal moved further north- northeastwards during past 6 hours at a speed of about 20 kmph and lay centred at 1730 hours IST of 15th May 2013 near latitude 18.00 N and longitude 88.00 E, about 900 km northwest of Portblair, 500 km south-southwest of Kolkata, 360 km southeast of Paradip and 630 km southwest of Chittagong. It would intensify further and move northeastwards and cross Bangladesh coast near Chittagong during night of 16th May 2013.
Under the influence of this system, Rainfall at most places with isolated heavy falls would occur over South Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura and Nagaland on 16th and 17th.
Strong wind speed reaching 30-40 kmph would prevail along and off north Andhra Pradesh coast during next 12 hrs, Odisha coast during next 24 hours and West Bengal coast during next 36 hrs. However, wind speed would increase to 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph along and off West Bengal coast from tomorrow, the 16th May morning.
Squally wind speed reaching 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph would prevail over South Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura and Nagaland commencing from 16th evening/night for subsequent 24hrs.
Fishermen along and off Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal coasts are advised to be cautious while venturing into sea during next 48 hrs.
As a pre-emptive move, the government of Mizoram has ordered to close schools in the state for two days starting from Thursday as the super cyclone Mahasen strking the state becomes imminent.
As weathermen have predicted that super cyclone ‘Mahasen’ is due to hit Mizoram on May 16 (Thursday night), Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla today issued an official order to shut all the schools in the State, excluding colleges, from Thursday afternoon till Friday.
The Chief Minister also made a request to the people in the State not to organize any function or any kind of public gathering from Thursday afternoon till Friday.
The government release today stated that the state government of Mizoram has around 400 trained persons of the Disaster Response Force who have been given training since 2009 – 10, who can be called out on any time at the given emergency helpline numbers.
In a preventive measure too, the School Education Commissioner of Mizoram, has also notified for closing of all schools in the State from Thursday afternoon till Friday. All the headmasters and teachers are accordingly informed to consider the safety of school materials.The deputy commissioner of Aizawl has also announced opening up of Aizawl District Emergency Operation Centre for 24×7 service, to which reports can be given by the people.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cyclone-mahasen-arriving-today/

CBI autonomy

The Central Bureau of Investigation has been in the limelight in the wake of the Supreme Court’s criticism of the government for influencing the CBI
report in the coal blocks allocation scam. Many allege that it is being used by those in power for the wrong purpose. It has however done many laudable jobs. The problem exists in the slow process of the cases handled by the CBI. Inspite of the allegations one should understand that when any group wants a fair probe there is a demand for CBI probe. The issues are multifacated. We want the CBI to be fully autonomous and strengthened so that it can perform well and dispense justice. The police work in the whole country has suffered a lot and we need a strong body to investigate to high profile and sensitive cases which will work independently. Any organisation can not exist on its own and it has to be linked with the government in some way or the other. It also can not act as a loose weapon . it has also to be controlled and properly managed. It has to be answerable and accountable. It is heartening that the government has acted fast Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has formed a Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Finance Minister P. Chidambaram to decide the plan of action to insulate the investigating agency from external influence.Besides Chidambaram, the GoM has External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, newly-appointed Law Minister Kapil Sibal, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari and Minister of State for Personnel V. Narayanasamy as members.According to reports, the GoM will deliberate on ways to further strengthen CBI’s autonomy and safeguard it from any kind of outside interferences.The government’s move came after the Supreme Court had called the CBI “a caged parrot” that “speaks in its master’s voice” after the investigating agency admitted in an affidavit that Ashwani Kumar, who quit as the Law Minister on Friday, and senior officials of the Prime Minister’s Office and the coal ministry had made certain changes in the report on the allocation of coal blocks.The apex court, which reserved its harshest words for the CBI, calling it a “caged parrot with many masters”, stressed the need for the CBI to operate independently of the political establishment.”You are not a constable or head constable. You are a premier investigating agency and must learn to work under pressure. It (probe) is not a collaborative exercise between the CBI and ministry officials … It is a sordid saga of many masters and one parrot,” it said. The government should not have waited for the reprimand from the Apex Court.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-autonomy/

Drivers beaten up for protesting police demand

IMPHAL, May 14 NNN : Three truck drivers injured after they were reportedly beaten up by police commandos as they negotiated on an unreasonable money demand made by the commandos who were on duty in front of Patsoi Police Station last night.
Meanwhile, Manipur Drivers’ Welfare Association (MDWA), Highway Truck Owners’ Welfare Organisation and All Manipur Inter-Bus Service Association strongly condemned the erring Manipur Police commandos on Tuesday for severely beating up three truck drivers who refused to pay money to them in front of Patsoi Police Station last night.
Police commandos who were on duty stopped the three goods laden trucks in front of Patsoi Police Station in Imphal East yesterday night and asked the drivers to pay Rs 500 each and then they started thrashing them when the drivers told them to take Rs 100 each as they did not have enough money, MDWA general secretary M Tomba told mediapersons at the Press Club here.
Flanked by representatives of Highway Truck Owners’ Welfare Organisation and All Manipur Inter-Bus Service Association, Tomba said that two drivers have gone deaf after the beating.
The victim drivers were identified as Md Sultan, Joy Namoijam and Md Doulat Khan.
They were returning from Jiribam which borders Assam in the Imphal East after loading rice and cement from there.
The erring police commandos snubbed the idea of freeing them even after the beating but instead they forcibly took Rs 300 each from the victimised drivers, Tomba alleged and further said that the drivers accompanied with the handymen admitted themselves to Regional Institute of Sciences (RIMS) for treatment.
He added that the three organizations condemn this incident and demand punitive action against the erring commandos.
Tomba also informed that a memorandum has been submitted to the Home Minister urging him to take appropriate action against the commandos responsible for the beating up of the three drivers.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/drivers-beaten-up-for-protesting-police-demand/

Devolution of power will not disturb power structure : Gaikhangam

IMPHAL, May 14 MNS Agencies: Deputy chief minister Gaikhangam rubbished today the allegation that tribal ministers and MLAs will be left powerless if power is decentralised to the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
Gaikhangam was addressing the inaugural function of a two-day seminar on “Rights of District Councils and their Function” at Tribal Research Centre, Chingmeirong here.
He pointed out that absorbing in illegal activities while demanding rights harm the Government’s developmental activities and noted that the state will be able to join the development pace if different hierarchies like the members and other machineries beginning from Panchayat level to Parliament level work with earnestness.
He said, “The allegation that all the tribal ministers and MLAs will be dwindled if power is given to the District Councils is groundless.”
The Deputy Chief Minister, also holding the Home portfolio, then added that after a long 20 years gap the state Government had conducted the District Councils election recently, but it is really unfortunate that it has been unable to make changes in the old system in the councils that existed before the election.
The Government is considering making changes in the system, he also informed. All the chairmen and members of the District Councils expressed unhappiness over the Government’s repeated negative response towards decentralisation of power to the councils even after more than one year has elapsed since the election.The issue of protecting tribal rights in Manipur was deliberated today by tribal intellectuals on the first day of the two-day seminar today christened as “District Council & It’s Function In The Protection of Tribal Rights” organized by the Tribal Research Institute, government of Manipur at the Auditorium of the Institute at Chingmeirong, Imphal.
Deputy chief minister of Manipur Gaikhangam said the government is putting its maximum effort to uphold the tribal peoples’ rights and recalled how the elections to the Autonomous District Council (ADC) was held three years ago after a gap of 20 years. “Conducting of elections to the ADCs was part of the state government’s effort to uphold the tribal peoples’ rights,” said the deputy chief minister.
Gaikhangam then said that the elections to the Village Authorities in the hill districts are about to complete. “Once these elections to the Village Authorities are done, the government will find it easier to function while ensuring better governance with a shift to a participatory and decentralized system of government,” the deputy chief minister added.
Sadar Hills ADC chairman Haokholal Hangshing, Senapati district ADC chairman R.S. Henry, Churachandpur district ADC chairman V. Langkhanpau Guite, Ukhrul district ADC chairman John Raleng, Tamenglong district ADC chairman G. Soihem Haomei and Chandel district ADC chairman Lhukhosei Zou also participated in the two-day seminar as guests of honours. SK Dev Verman IAS, Commissioner of Tribal Affairs and Hills, government of Manipur also attended the programme as the function president.
Resource persons of the seminar are Advocate Siamzading Valte and Advocate R. Daniel, Manipur High Court.
Dr. Vareso Ningshen Associate Professor of LMS Law College, Imphal and Dr. R. Horam Associate Professor moderated the event.
Meanwhile, on the sideline of the programme, deputy chief minister Gaikhangam who also holds the portfolio of Home affairs urged the media not to magnify the ‘quit notice’ of Churachandpur district. He dismissed that it was done by a handful of miscreants. He was referring to the leaflets asking the Meiteis to quit Churachandpur few days ago.
Gaikhangam then reiterated that those police personnel indulged in drug trafficking be dealth with drastic actions.

World Hypertension Day

Dr. Ksh. Kala Singh, Secretary, The Manipur Heart Care Society, Imphal
Theme: Healthy Heart Beat – Healthy Blood Pressure
Every year 17th May is dedicated to World Hypertension Day (WHD). This is an initiative of the World Hypertension League (WHL), an umbrella organization of 85 national hypertension societies and leagues.
The world hypertension Day was 1st inaugurated in May 2005 and has become an annual event ever since. The purpose of the WHD is to promote Public awareness of hypertension and to encourage Citizens of all countries to prevent and control this silent killer, the modern epidemic. In other words, World Hypertension Day has been established to highlight the preventable stroke, heart and kidney disease caused by high blood pressure and to communicate to the public information on prevention, detection and treatment. The world hypertension league recognized that more than 50% of the hypertensive population worldwide are unaware of their condition. So for awareness of Hypertension, we must do different activities such as newspaper articles, media coverage, rallies, Public forums & mass public physical activities, as well as involvement of politicians, Policy makers, popular public figures, NGO’s and Clubs etc.
The theme for 2013 is Healthy Heart Beat – Healthy Blood Pressure
HEALTHY HEART BEAT
The average adult heart beats 72 times a minutes; 1 lac times a day. We can count our pulse by palpating on the wrist joint. The pulse will irregular, increase or decrease according to various physiological and pathological conditions. Irregularity will occur in different heart diseases like Hypertension, Rheumatic Heart disease, Heart block and cardiomyopathy etc. In such conditions when the pulse is irregular we call it atrial fibrillation or arrhythmias. Symptoms of arrhythmias range from feeling an irregular beat in your chest, to tiredness, fainting or absolutely nothing. When the heart is not pumping well, blood clots can form in the heart and travel to the brain causing a stroke. Atrial fibrillation are usually intermittent, often recurring and may become permanent. It is very common in among older patients. The combination of having atrial fibrillation and hypertension both significantly increase the risk of stroke.
The World Hypertension League executive board felt that it is important to improve the public awareness about atrial fibrillation – arrhythmias. In order to make it easier for the public to understand they have used the simple terminology – Heart Beat. A Healthy Heart Beat means a heart having normal beat/contraction and causing no discomfort to the body.
HEALTHY BLOOD PRESSURE
Blood Pressure is merely the Pressure that the Blood exerts on the blood vessels, while circulating. It is measured with an instrument called Sphygmomanometer. The average Blood Pressure is 120/80 mmHg. If it is 120-139/80-89 mmHg, it is Prehypertension. When it reaches 140/90 mmHg, it is called Stage I Hypertension. Healthy Blood Pressure in an adult means having normal Blood Pressure of 120/80 mmHg without causing any discomfort to our body. Healthy Blood Pressure will help to maintain a healthy heart rhythm.
There are two types of hypertension, Essential (Primary) & Secondary. The exact etiology of Primary is unknown and there are definitely causes in Secondary hypertension. Many factors are responsible for the Primary Cause. They are.
a) Hereditary :- Most experts believe that hereditary does play a role in causing high blood pressure.
b) Excess intake of Salt :- That an excessive intake of common salt (Sodium Chloride) elevates the blood pressure is an indisputable.
c) Mental tension and approach :- All researchers accept the role of mental tension and negative thinking in the development of blood Pressure.
d) Obesity (Excessive Weight):- The incidence of high blood Pressure is 2 ½ times more in obese than in normal personal.
e) Sedentary life :- The incidence of high blood pressure is much higher in sedentary persons than in Physical labourers.
f) Smoking :- The incidence of high blood Pressure has been found to be higher in smokers. Smokers more often fall Victims to atherosclerosis, heart attack and cerebral hemorrhages.
g) Alcohol Consumption :- The incidence of high blood pressure in drinking is 2 ½ times higher than that in non – drinkers.
h) Age :- High blood pressure is common in older age group.
Prevalence : One in three adults worldwide has high blood pressure. The proportion increases with age from 1 in 10 people in their 20s & 30s to 5 in 10 people in their 50s. 70 million Americans and 1 billion people worldwide have high blood pressure. The global burden of hypertension is rising and Projected to affect 1.5 billion persons, one third of the world’s population by the year 2025.
In India, it was reported on 1995 from Jaipur, the incidence of Hypertension was 30% in male and 33% in female. Again on 1999 the incidence at Mumbai was 44% in male and 45% in Female. In Manipur there is no clear cut study report but many Hypertensive patients are brought to the hospitals with severe complications.
Signs and Symptoms
High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it often does not produce any signs or symptoms to some patients. Patient may have headache, dizziness or nosebleeding, palpitation, muscle cramps, giddiness, burning of eyes, distended neck veins, insomnia, neck pain & vertigo. But some patients have high blood pressure for years without every knowing it. Sign and symptoms typically don’t occur until high blood pressure has advanced to a higher possibility of life threatening-stage.
Hazards of High Blood Pressure
In patients of high blood pressure the blood vessels are thickened, hard and brittle. This disorder is term atherosclerosis. Heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, cerebral haemorrhage (stroke) and retinal haemorrhage are the natural consequences of high blood pressure. Also it shortens the life and drags its victim to a premature death.
Prevention of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is preventable and treatable. The old adage, ‘Prevention is better than cure’ is especially true for high blood pressure.
• Reducing salt intake 2-4 gms/day, avoid salty foods as much as possible.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eating a balance diet. Cut down on foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt. These are mainly found in fast foods, ready to eat packaged foods and restaurant foods.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Avoiding harmful use of alcohol.
• Taking regular physical activity at least 1 hr per day as gardening, walking etc.
• Avoid tobacco use. Smoking is major cause of death and disability.
• Control Blood cholesterol and blood sugar.
• Sound sleep at night. Sleep 2 hrs gap after dinner.
The ultimate goal of World Hypertension Day observation is to give awareness of the consequences of Hypertension to the General Population, so that we can prevent, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, retinal haemorrhage and atherosclerosis.
-LOVE YOUR HEART. HEART IS YOUR LIFE-

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/world-hypertension-day/

Final push for Mt. Everest summit

Eleven team members of First North East Mt Everest Summit have reached Camp II. The team is expected to reach the final summit on May 17.

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 14 : The 1st North East India Mt. Everest Expedition has set off for the final summit for the Mt. Everest from the Everest Base Camp. A team of 11 climbers has reached Camp- II today (14th May 2013). Camp II is located at 6400 metre (21000 Ft) approx.
The 11 climbers of the team to have reached Camp-11 are N. Chingkheinganba, Kazi Sherpa, Ansu Jamsenpa, A. Robert, N. Bidyapati, Wansuk Myrthong, Nima lama, Manishkumar Deka, Tarun Saikia, Anand Gurung and David Zohmang.
The team is expected to make the final summit on 17th May 2013 depending on the weather. Mr. Puyamcha Mohon will make an attempt to summit on 19th May 2013. Further depending on the permission from the Nepalese authority, few of the expedition team members will be making an attempt for second summit.
During the acclimatization, the expedition team had reached Camp- III on 30th April 2013, Camp-Ill is located at 24000 Ft. (Approx), after which they returned and went with the final push for the summit.
The 1st North East India Mt. Everest Expedition is being sponsored by North Eastern Council, Govt. of India and Planning Department, Govt. of Manipur and being implemented by Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association (MMTA). Dr. L Surjit, President, MMTA is leading the expedition.
On its completion the expedition will be scripted in history as the first expedition comprising exclusively of Mountaineers from North East India.
The well wishes and prayers from all the well wishers are needed at this moment of scripting history.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/final-push-for-mt-everest-summit/

Siddaramaiah sworn-in as Karnataka CM

Bangalore, May 13 (ANI): K. Siddaramaiah, who led the Congress Party to victory in the May 5 assembly elections in Karnataka, took oath as the state’s 22nd chief minister on Monday.
State Governor H R Bhardwaj administered the oath of office to Siddaramaiah at a ceremony at the Sri Kanteerava Stadium here.
Siddaramaiah, a five-time MLA from Varuna in south Karnataka, was on Friday elected as the leader of the Congress Legislative Party in the state.
The decision in this regard was taken after four AICC observers led by Defence Minister A.K. Antony took the views of newly-elected MLAs on the issue of chief ministership.
Siddaramaiah, who is a backward caste leader from the Kuruba community, met former External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna for about 20 minutes earlier in the day to seek his support for the coveted post.
Congress made a spectacular comeback in Karnataka wresting power after seven years in its old southern fortress. The party won 121 seats in the 224-member assembly.
The BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) finished second with both winning 40 seats each.
Yeddyurappa’s KJP won six seats, while the independents and others won 16 seats.
Elections in Karnataka were conducted for 223 seats. Elections in one constituency – Periyapatna — was deferred to May 28 due to the death of the BJP candidate.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/siddaramaiah-sworn-in-as-karnataka-cm/

Naga bodies demand release of prisoners

DIMAPUR, May 13 NNN: The Naga rights body has urged the Prime Minister of India to release all the Naga underground cadres including NSCN-IM’s foreign affairs head Ningkhan Anthony Shimray as a gesture of good will and expedite the ongoing peace process.
Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) in its memorandum to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh requested for his intervention in expediting the Indo-Naga peace talks and to immediately release all ‘Naga political prisoners’.
“We once again, with faith in your sincerity in settling the Indo-Naga issue, appeal for yourintervention in expediting an honourable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga issue andfor the release of all Naga political prisoners (Naga underground cadres) as a gesture of goodwill,” said the NPMHR in its representative to the Prime Minister signed by its Secretary General Dr Gina Shangkham while adding, “Hon’ble Sir, as you are aware the Indo-Naga cease-fire and peace talks have been in process since 1997. The Naga people have, since then, been waiting patiently for a solution that will end the cycle of violence and bloodshed that Nagas have gone through before the onset of the Indo-Naga peacetalks. However, almost sixteen years since the ceasefire, no end or honorurable solution is in sight”.
On the other hand, Indian state forces and its various agencies are functioning in total impunity; going against the central spirit of the ceasefire in which Indian representatives and Naga leaders collectively work toward an honourable solution for all concerned, the Naga rights body added.
The NPMHR then pointed out, “For instance, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), on 27 September 2010, illegally picked up and arrested Mr. Ningkhan Anthony Shimray, Head of the Foreign Affairs of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-IM (NSCN-IM) from Kathmandu International Airport on the allegation that he was to procure arms to wage war against India. Significantly, Ningkhan Anthony Shimray was on his way to New Delhi on the invitation of the NSCN-IM leadership to participate in the Indo-Naga peace talks between the government of India and NSCN-IM which was scheduled to be held on September 29, 2010 at New Delhi”.
According to the Naga rights body, the NIA and other Indian State agencies in many other instances have since then arrested and attempted to apprehend key senior Naga leaders, even going to the extent of summoning leaders to the office. This attempt to isolate and segregate leaders who represent the aspirations of the Naga people for peace forces us to question whether the government of India has any sincere intent to enter into any solution, added the NPMHR.
The Naga people have been patient; we are persuaded that peace is the only win-win situation for both the Naga people as well as India. The dilatory tactics of the government of India and attempts to hinder any viable solution is harmful to all the stakeholders including the government of India,” it cautions.
“We urge you and your office to expedite the peace process. Further we urge that political prisoners like Ningkhan Anthony Shimray be released immediately in the greater interest of peace and respect for rights and dignity. Such act of goodwill will strengthen the Naga people’s desire for mutual respect and trust,” the Naga rights body stated.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/naga-bodies-demand-release-of-prisoners/

Three dead, over 100 injured in Rohtak clashes

Rohtak (Haryana), May 13 (ANI): At least three people have died and over 100 others have been injured in clashes between the public and the local police in Rohtak, Haryana, following attempts to evict a local god man from the area.
Superintendent of Police (Rohtak) Vivek Sharma said police had to act after supporters of the godman attacked them. He also said that the mob had damaged vehicles, shops and other installations.
Personnel of the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force) and the Rapid Action Force have been deployed in the area to prevent the situation from getting further out of hand.
Arya Samaj supporters were protesting against the opening of the Satlok Ashram headed by God man Rampal at Karontha village.
Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has ordered magisterial inquiry into the violent clashes in Karontha in Haryana’s Rohtak District in the wake of three people losing their lives and over 100 others being injured following attempts to evict a local god man from the area.
He also described the violence as unfortunate and urged villagers to maintain peace and law and order.
Police has arrested the Chairman of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, Acharya Baldev, and others. A heavy police force has been deployed in the area to prevent further violence.
On Sunday, three buses, 26 police-manned motorcycles and an ambulance were set on fire.
Superintendent of Police (Rohtak) Vivek Sharma said police had to act after supporters of the godman attacked them. He also said that the mob had damaged vehicles, shops and other installations.
Personnel of the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force) and the Rapid Action Force have been deployed in the area to prevent the situation from getting further out of hand.
Arya Samaj supporters were protesting against the opening of the Satlok Ashram headed by God man Rampal at Karontha village.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/three-dead-over-100-injured-in-rohtak-clashes/